Won’t Be Long Now – 2nd Cor. 4:17

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-fifth inspirational message dated Saturday, February 4th, 2023.  The title of this message is, “Won’t Be Long Now – 2^nd Cor. 4:17”.  The first four words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Won’t Be Long Now” by “Blessing Offor”.
“Won’t Be Long Now” is a song that I stumbled upon while looking at songs on YouTube. The below scripture text is what is found in the seventeenth verse of the fourth chapter of 2^nd Corinthians.

 

2^nd Corinthians 4:17

New International Version (NIV)

 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

For many years, I have enjoyed reading the inspirational messages as provided by the Internet site of “KNOWING JESUS” in their publication of bible verse interpretations and explanations.  

I recently read the "interpretation" for today's verse (on February 4^th, 2023) and found it to be so inspiring, memorable and “thought-provoking”.   “KNOWING JESUS” has the website of - https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com so that you, too, can read and enjoy life-changing wisdom of inspirational messages based on scripture from the Bible.

I knew that this was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did: 

2^nd Corinthians 4:17 Verse Thoughts

None of us want to invite pain and suffering into our lives and Paul is an example of a man who went through much suffering in this world for being a Christian. At times he despaired even of life, and yet despite his terrible persecution and many imprisonments, Paul willingly endured his suffering with godly grace, patient endurance, and unspeakable joy.

 

Paul considered the sufferings he endured for Christ's sake as a light affliction, which would one day produce in him an exceedingly great and eternal weight of glory, in the ages to come. He did not enjoy his suffering at all, but he knew that the pathway of affliction was the same route that the Lord Jesus Christ had to take on our behalf, when He set His face like a flint towards Jerusalem and walked to the Cross.

Paul was simply following in the path of his Master because he knew that Jesus suffered and died for our sake, so that by faith in Him we could be redeemed from the sentence of death... a death-sentence that is over every sinful man.

He knew that as Christ’s disciples we are to follow the same path of humility and humiliation that Jesus took, but he also knew that the sufferings of this age... by comparison with our eternal future, are very small and will soon pass. "This momentary, light affliction," he wrote, "is producing for us an eternal weight of glory, which is beyond measure and surpassing all comparisons. It is a transcendent splendor and endless blessedness."

 

Paul knew that the afflictions of this age are preparing us for a glorious future that has no limits - and it will remain ours into the eternity of eternities. If we had to endure unimaginable trials every day of our earthy life, for Christ's sake, it would pale into insignificance, by comparison with the glory that God has prepared for those that love Him.

As God's children, we have been promised that His grace is sufficient to deal with every eventuality we may meet in life. We need never endure our affliction alone, for He has promised to be with us and God is faithful, Who will not allow any of us to be tried beyond what we can bear (see below verse - 1st Cor. 10:13). There is no affliction that we have to face alone, for He has promised to provide us with the sufficient strength we need to endure it (see below verse – 2^nd Cor. 12:9-10) - no wonder Paul describes life's mounting difficulties as a momentary, light affliction.

1^st Corinthians 10:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

 

2^nd Corinthians 12:9-10

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

Before the Crown, comes the Cross and Jesus was ready and willing to endure the Cross and despise the shame, for the joy that was set before Him, and the Bible makes it very clear that when the people of God suffer with Christ, we will also share in His glory. Scripture makes it clear that the suffering servant of Christ brings honor to His name.

 

Psalm 30:5b

New King James Version (NKJV)

^5bWeeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Won’t Be Long Now” by “Blessing Offor” performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

BE BLESSED!

Perfectly Loved – 1st John 4:8 – Ready and Waiting

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-fourth inspirational message dated Wednesday, February 1st, 2023.  The title of this message is, “Perfectly Loved – 1^st John 4:8 – Ready and Waiting”.  The first two words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Perfectly Loved” by “Rachael Lampa featuring TobyMac”.
“Perfectly Loved” is a song that I first heard on my favorite Christian radio station - STAR 99.1FM. The below scripture text is what is found in the eighth verse of the fourth chapter of First John.

 

1^st John 4:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

The title of this message includes the words “Ready and Waiting” – which is taken from the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (1/29/23) – which I have included below.

 

I knew that this was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

Ready and Waiting

 

       CAN YOU THINK OF A PIVOTAL MOMENT that led to your relationship with Jesus? Most of us can name a special person or set of circumstances that helped us get to know Him. Or perhaps you’re reading this out of curiosity, and you don’t know Him at all. Regardless of what state your relationship with God is in, the fact remains: He loves you and will never give up on you.

Paul writes, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8 see below verse). And John explains that the Lord doesn’t just love us, but He Himself is love (1^st John 4:8 see below verse).

In other words, God doesn’t have to try to love or talk Himself into loving us – it’s simply who He is.

 

Romans 5:8

Legacy Standard Bible (LSB)

 

⁸But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 

1st John 4:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁸He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

     No matter what we do, even if it involves deliberate sin against Him or drifting away in apathy, God won’t ever cease to be merciful and loving. He’ll never stop showing up, leaning in, and inviting us to the abundant life found only in Him – a life of peace, freedom, and joy. Whatever you were and are, God has great plans for what you will be, and He’s here for you.

 

By Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Hebrews 13:5b

New King James Version (NKJV)

^5b For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

 

Jeremiah 29:11

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Perfectly Loved” by “Rachael Lampa featuring TobyMac” performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

BE BLESSED!

God Specializes – Psalm 145 – God's Greatness

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-third inspirational message dated Saturday, January 14th, 2023.  The title of this message is, “God Specializes – Psalm 145 – God's Greatness”.  The first two words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “God Specializes” by “The Roberta Martin Singers”.
“God Specializes” is a song that I first heard sung in my church. The below scripture text is what is found in the first through the third verses of the one hundred forty-fifth Psalm. Also included, is the fourteenth verse from Psalm 145:

 

Psalm 145:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
² Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
³ Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.

 

Psalm 145:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁴ The Lord upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down

 

The title of this message includes the words “God’s Greatness” – which is taken from the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (1/13/23) – which I have included below.

 

I knew that this was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

God’s Greatness:

A Source of Comfort

Psalm 145

 

       NEVER TAKE GOD’S GREATNESS FOR GRANTED, as it’s a source of comfort for all who take refuge in Him. The Lord is immeasurably beyond us in all ways, yet He says, “I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit” (Isaiah 57:15 see verse below). If you’re a Christian, He’s your refuge, sustainer and protector.

 

Isaiah 57:15

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

¹⁵ For thus says the High and Lofty One
Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
With him who has a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble,
And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

 

Comfort and strength for life come as you dwell on God’s amazing attributes.

 

HE IS OMNIPRESENT (Psalm 139:7-12 see verses below). Even when you feel isolated or friendless, you’re not alone. In fact, after placing trust in Jesus, you’ve never been apart from God for so much as a single moment.

 

Psalm 139:7-12

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁷ Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
⁸ If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
¹² Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

 

GOD’S UNDERSTANDING IS INFINITE (Psalm 147:5 see verse below).  He knows everything, including your feelings and needs. You may not understand what’s going on in your life, but the Lord knows and will give the strength and guidance you need.

 

Psalm 147:5

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁵ Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.

 

THE LORD NEVER CHANGES (Malachi 3:6 see verse below).  Since His character is constant, you can always trust that He will be faithful, gracious, and merciful to you in every situation.

 

Malachi 3:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁶ “For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

 

When we recall the greatness of God and meditate on His attributes, our problems become smaller, the Lord becomes greater, and His comfort surrounds and sustains us.

 

By Dr. Charles Stanley

  

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “God Specializes” by “The Roberta Martin Singers” performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

BE BLESSED!

Thank You – Isa. 26:2-4 – Resting in Jesus

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-second inspirational message dated Monday, January 2nd, 2023.  The title of this message is, “Thank You – Isa. 26:2-4 – Resting in Jesus”.  The first two words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Thank You” (with lyrics) by “Walter Hawkins & The Love Center Choir featuring soloist Yvette Flunder”.
“Thank You” is a song that I first heard sung in my church. The below scripture text is what is found in the second through the fourth verses of the twenty-sixth chapter of Isaiah:

 

Isaiah 26:2-4

New Life Version (NLV)

 

² Open the gates, that the nation that is right with God may come in, the one that keeps faithful. ³ You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. ⁴ Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever.

 

The title of this message includes the words “Resting in Jesus” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (12/26/22) – which I have included below.

I knew that this was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

Resting in Jesus

Isaiah 26:2-4

 

       ALLOWING OURSELVES to dwell on stressful things like war, economic crisis and tragedy invites anxiety. But the Lord has a better way. Jesus assured us that though we would face difficulty, we could rest in Him (see John 16:33 below). However, we cannot trust someone we don’t know. For this reason, we should seek to find out who God is.

     Truths from Scripture are a good place to start. The Bible tells us God is our Lord and Master. He is omnipresent, omniscient, faithful and powerful. He loves unconditionally and offers forgiveness to all who trust His Son as Savior. The Lord adopts believers as His own children and wants the best for every Christian’s life – so much so that He chastises us when we disobey. And He desires that we love Him above everyone and everything else.

     Knowing these facts is only the beginning. As in any relationship, time together fosters closeness. We can read the Bible, pray, meditate on God’s Word, and listen to His Spirit to better understand how He thinks. We can also watch God work in other people’s lives to know His ways.

     Jesus is trustworthy, and He offers rest in the midst of a troubled world. Do you know Him well enough to experience His peace?

 

John 16:33

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

³³ These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

By Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Thank You” (with lyrics) by “Walter Hawkins & The Love Center Choir featuring soloist Yvette Flunder” - performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

BE BLESSED!

We All Need Jesus – Rom. 8:31-34 – God Is for Us

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred forty-first inspirational message dated Saturday, December 31st, 2022.  The title of this message is, “We All Need Jesus – Rom. 8:31-34 – God Is for Us”.  The first four words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “We All Need Jesus” (with lyrics) by “Danny Gokey and Koryn Hawthorne”.
“We All Need Jesus” is a song that I first heard on my favorite Christian radio station - STAR 99.1FM. The below scripture text is what the Apostle Paul wrote in the thirty-first through the thirty-fourth verses of the eighth chapter of Romans:

 

Romans 8:31-34

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His Own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 

 

The title of this message includes the words “God Is for Us” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (12/28/22) – which I have included below

I knew that it was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

God Is for Us

Romans 8:31-34

  

THROUGHOUT LIFE, there will be times when our sins and failures might lead us to conclude that God is disappointed or angry with us. When that happens, we need to fix our eyes on the truth of Scripture and ask the questions Paul posed in Romans 8:

-      “IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO IS AGAINST US?” (Rom. 8:31). By delivering His Own Son over to death in order to save us, our heavenly Father proved His loyalty to mankind.

-      “WHO WILL BRING CHARGES AGAINST GOD’S ELECT?” (Rom. 8:33). No accusations against us can stand, since at the moment of salvation, the Lord justified us. This means we were legally declared righteous, while still in our sinful condition. No one can reverse this transaction and make us guilty again.

-      “WHO IS THE ONE WHO CONDEMNS?” (Rom. 8:34). Although Satan rails against us, Jesus’ death and resurrection are proof that we are right with God. Christ took our condemnation and gave us His righteousness in return. Now He sits at the Father’s right hand, interceding for us.

 

When doubts about the Lord’s love and faithfulness arise, focus on truth. If we judge His loyalty to us by our circumstances or feelings, we will never get an accurate view of God. True security lies not in our good performance but in our relationship with Christ, and no one can take that from us.

 

By Dr. Charles Stanley

 

Remember – There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus – (see Rom. 8:1-2 below)

 

Romans 8:1-2

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who  do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. ² For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

Also – Once you believe in Jesus – you are set free in Him:

 

John 8:36

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

 

Lastly, “GREATER is He who is you, than he who is in the world” (see 1^st John 4:4 below)

 

1^st John 4:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

⁴ You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “We All Need Jesus” (with lyrics) by “Danny Gokey and Koryn Hawthorne” - performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

BE BLESSED!

New Season – Eccl. 3:1-2 – HANDLING CHANGE AT WORK

 

This is “Namma for Christ” with the two hundred fortieth inspirational message dated Thursday, December 1st, 2022.  The title of this message is, “New Season – Eccl. 3:1-2 – HANDLING CHANGE AT WORK”.  The first two words of this message’s title are also the words in the name of the below inspirational song/video, “New Season” (with lyrics) by “Israel (Houghton) and New Breed”.
“New Season” is a song that I first heard in my church. The below scripture text is what King Solomon wrote in the first through the second verses of the third chapter of Ecclesiastes:

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

New King James Version (NKJV)

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

² A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted

 

 One of the scriptures (verse 1) from above was taken from the “same” scripture text in the message that I read on (November 23rd, 2022) in my daily devotional book entitled: “The Word for You Today – Strength and Guidance for Daily Living”.

 

The inspirational message I read on November 23^rd, 2022 was titled –

“HANDLING CHANGE AT WORK”.

I knew that it was a message that I wanted to share in my next “Namma for Christ” blog. I hope you find (some of the excerpts) as inspirational as I did:

 

HANDLING CHANGE AT WORK

 

“To everything there is a season”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

 

 

 

When change happens in the workplace, we often feel threatened. We get used to the personalities of our co-workers and bosses, and we want them to remain in place, stay the same and require nothing more from us than what we have given in the past. Out of our desire for stability, security and predictability, we fail to prepare for instability, uncertainty and surprises. How ironic! If we were willing to adjust our expectations and be more realistic, we wouldn’t be so traumatized when change comes. Things can change overnight. It may be the loss of a parent, or a job, or your health. Change is the only constant in life. And it has the potential to move you on to better things or flatten you like a steamroller. The choice is yours, “To everything there is a season.” The truth is, God is your only secure anchor in life, so if you’re wise, you will build a strong relationship with Him. Ultimately, He will never allow you to depend on anything but Him. Here is Elijah’s story: “The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning….and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land” (1^st Kings 17:6-7 NKJV – see below verses). Elijah may have panicked, but God didn’t. “The word of the Lord came to him, saying, 'Arise, go to Zarephath…and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you'” (1^st Kings 17:8-9 NKJV – see below verses). Notice what God used to provide for Elijah: ravens, a brook, a penniless widow. So enjoy your job, excel in it, but depend only on God!

 

1^st Kings 17:6-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

  

⁶ The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. ⁷ And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.

⁸ Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ⁹ “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”

 

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “New Season” (with lyrics) by “Israel (Houghton) and New Breed” - performed with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

BE BLESSED!

Believe – Heb. 10:21-24 – Laboring for God

 

This is Namma for Christ with the two hundred thirty-ninth inspirational message dated Monday, November 21st, 2022. The title of this message is “Believe – Heb. 10:21-24 – Laboring for God”.

The first word of this message’s title is also the name of the below inspirational song/video, “Believe” (with lyrics) as performed by Blessing Offor. The below passage of scripture (that accompanies this message) is from the New Testament book of Hebrews – the twenty-first through the twenty-fourth verses of the tenth chapter:

Hebrews 10:21-24

New Living Translation (NLT)

²¹ And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, ²² let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

 

²³ Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.

²⁴ Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

 

 

The title of this message includes the words “Laboring for God” – which is the “title” of the Charles Stanley “In Touch” Daily Devotional for (11/19/22) – which I have included below:

 

Laboring for God

  John 12:20-26

By Charles Stanley

 

 

John 12:26

New Life Version (NLV)

 

²⁶ If anyone wants to serve Me, he must follow Me. So where I am, the one who wants to serve Me will be there also. If anyone serves Me, My Father will honor him.

 

AS JESUS’ FOLLOWERS, we are to carry out His work. And we’re to be living extensions of His Life as we do so.

Following His example, believers must:

 

-      LIVE AS GOD’S SERVANTS. We need to release control over our time, talent, and treasure and accept our commission to work in His kingdom. Like our Savior, we’re not to act independently (John 5:19 - see verse below). Our assignment is to do whatever God asks of us.

John 5:19

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

-      ANSWER HIS CALL TO AID OTHERS.  We tend to limit our circle to people like ourselves, but we must fight against this inclination. We should be willing to respond to the needs of strangers and friends alike. And the Lord can help us recognize those opportunities.

-      MOTIVATE ONE ANOTHER TO GOOD DEEDS (Hebrews 10:24 - see verse below). We’re to spur each other toward godliness and service rather than worldly pleasure and self-centeredness. Believers should foster in each other gratefulness for what He has done and confidence about what He will do.

Good works don’t earn salvation, but they do affect eternal rewards. Believers’ deeds will one day be evaluated: Works done without direction from God will be burned up, while those accomplished in obedience to the Spirit will be remembered and acknowledged (1^st Corinthians 3:10-15 - see verses below). Let your love for God stimulate you to labor in His kingdom.

 

Hebrews 10:24

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁴And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works

 1^st Corinthians 3:10-15

New Life Version (NLV)

¹⁰ Through God’s loving-favor to me, I laid the stones on which the building was to be built. I did it like one who knew what he was doing. Now another person is building on it. Each person who builds must be careful how he builds on it. ¹¹ Jesus Christ is the Stone on which other stones for the building must be laid. It can be only Christ. ¹² Now if a man builds on the Stone with gold or silver or beautiful stones, or if he builds with wood or grass or straw, ¹³ each man’s work will become known. There will be a day when it will be tested by fire. The fire will show what kind of work it is. ¹⁴ If a man builds on work that lasts, he will receive his reward. ¹⁵ If his work is burned up, he will lose it. Yet he himself will be saved as if he were going through a fire.

Please enjoy the below inspirational song/video, “Believe” (with lyrics) as performed by Blessing Offor sung with power and anointing.

 

(I do not own the rights to this song).

 

(If you can't see the below video: Please scroll down to the end - Under the rectangular box labeled "Home" - please click "View web version". You will automatically be taken to the top of the message - please scroll down to the "end" of the message to view the video. Please press play to enjoy the song/video.)

 BE BLESSED!